Holl Would Get Tough On Hit-and-run Drivers

State Sen. Edwin G. Holl introduced a bill yesterday that would make it a felony to leave the scene of an accident when it results in a serious injury or death.

Holl, R-24th District, introduced the bill in response to the May 1992 death of John G. Hiller, a 15-year-old Souderton High School student killed by a hit-and-run driver on Route 563 in Salford Township.

Hiller's family and friends were outraged that officials could only charge the driver, 67-year-old Red Hill resident Herman Bruning, with misdemeanor and summary offenses.

"We felt the law was too restrictive," said Marjorie Caplan, a Holl spokeswoman. Caplan said Holl and Montgomery County District Attorney Michael Marino received many letters asking for a stricter punishment.

The law states that a driver can be charged with a felony only if leaving the scene contributes to the severity of injuries or the death of the victim. Marino said Hiller's injuries were so severe that Bruning's flight did not contribute to his death.

Bruning told police he stopped his vehicle after he thought he had hit an animal, but saw nothing and drove on. He turned himself in after he read about the accident.

On Tuesday, Bruning pleaded guilty to the three charges against him. He is free on $20,000 bail pending a pre-sentencing investigation.

He faces a maximum 5 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine on the leaving-the-scene charge.

Caplan said it could take a year for the passage of the bill, named the Hiller amendment.